{
  "id": 12041389,
  "title": "Kyiv bridge hit in further Russian drone attack as German chancellor makes surprise visit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/kyiv-bridge-hit-in-further-russian-drone-attack-as-german-chancellor",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T00:36:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Chronicle Ghana",
    "slug": "the-chronicle-ghana",
    "url": "https://thechronicle.com.gh/kyiv-bridge-hit-in-further-russian-drone-attack-as-german-chancellor-makes-surprise-visit/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For four consecutive days, Russian drone strikes have targeted major bridges in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, intensifying Moscow's assault on critical infrastructure. The Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge suffered its second strike on Sunday, while the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge faced multiple hits earlier in the week. As the attacks persist, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz paid a surprise visit to Kyiv, demonstrating solidarity against Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion. Russia's military vowed to escalate strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, previously claiming responsibility for the bridge attacks that hindered the movement of Ukrainian troops.\n\nOn Sunday, a drone struck the Pivnichnyi Bridge, creating a ball of fire and leaving a cloud of black smoke visible above the site. The bridge's roadway was confirmed as the damaged area, with two people reportedly injured. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported the incident, emphasizing the bridge's significance for the city's three million residents who rely on it, along with the metro and train systems, to navigate the capital. Despite the damage, the two bridges remain standing, though traffic and public transport restrictions have caused gridlock in certain areas.\n\nDuring his visit, Chancellor Merz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, laying wreaths at the graves of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. Merz reiterated Germany's support for Ukraine, stating on X: \"Ukraine is facing decisive weeks. That is why I travelled to Kyiv today with the message: You can rely on us.\"",
  "summary": "Major bridges in Kyiv have been hit by Russian drone strikes for four consecutive days, as Moscow ramps up attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine’s capital. Two people were injured when the Pivnichnyi (Northern) Bridge was struck on Sunday morning for the second day in a row, while the Pivdennyi (Southern) Bridge was hit multiple […] The post Kyiv bridge hit in further Russian drone attack…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTE News",
        "title": "German chancellor arrives in Kyiv on unannounced visit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/german-chancellor-arrives-in-kyiv-on-unannounced-visit",
        "published": "2026-10-04T07:21:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC News",
        "title": "Kyiv bridge hit in further drone attack as German chancellor makes surprise visit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/kyiv-bridge-hit-in-further-drone-attack-as-german-chancellor-makes",
        "published": "2026-10-04T08:48:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Russian strike hits Kyiv amid Chancellor Merz visit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/russian-strike-hits-kyiv-amid-chancellor-merz-visit",
        "published": "2026-10-04T09:52:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}